Pennsylvania Dutch Convention and Visitors Bureau Condemns Inhumane Industry in Wake of Media Exposé
A national spotlight was cast last week on the puppy mill industry focusing on an area of the country where it thrives, Lancaster County, Pa.
In response to the national exposure given to this blight on the region, the Pennsylvania Dutch Convention and Visitors Bureau of Lancaster County called for increased efforts to shut down the region's puppy mills.
"Change can't happen fast enough. What's happening in these puppy mills is atrocious," said Pennsylvania Dutch CVB President & CEO Christopher Barrett in a statement posted on his website.
Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS, said "The Humane Society of the United States has crusaded for years against this industry of misery, and we commend the Pennsylvania Dutch Convention and Visitors Bureau for joining the chorus of those committed to ending these inhumane conditions."
"The quickest way to eliminate the puppy mill problem is to cut off the demand…it's important to ask questions and know where a puppy has come from," Barrett said, citing The HSUS' website, humanesociety.org as an excellent source of information for consumers. The website provides information on everything from adopting from an animal shelter and finding a good dog breeder, to buying a puppy and choosing the right dog.
The HSUS realizes that the ultimate solution to the puppy mill will come as consumers become educated, but legislation will fill the gap that affords these dog factories legal status. The HSUS strongly supports the efforts of Pa. Gov. Ed Rendell and Pa. Rep. James Casorio to rid the state of its stigma as a puppy mill haven.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization – backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at humanesociety.org.
